Outcomes Study Social Support Survey Research Articles

Social support, plasma amyloid, and cognitive function: Findings on cognitive resilience from the African Americans Fighting Alzheimer’s in Midlife (AA‐FAIM) study

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological evidence suggests that excess risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in minoritized populations is preventable. Social connectedness associates with reduced ADRD risk: plausible mechanisms include (I) direct influence on AD pathology, and (II) indirect influence through cognitive reserve processes. Inclusive, resilience‐focused ADRD research will accelerate equitable translation into communities facing high disease burden. In a richly characterized sample of Black middle‐aged and older adults, we explored (i) associations between social support and cognition, and (ii) moderation of those relationships by plasma amyloid level.MethodParticipants (N = 118) enrolled in AA‐FAIM through the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) or Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Participants were cognitively healthy, and had plasma amyloid, neuropsychological, and psychosocial data from at least one visit. Multivariable linear regression models assessed cross‐sectional predictor‐outcome relationships. The key predictor was perceived availability of social support, self‐reported via the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS‐SS). Cognitive outcomes included performance on tests of (a) speed and flexibility and (b) episodic memory. Cognitive reserve mechanisms were tested with a model term interacting social support scores with plasma Aβ42/40 ratio (C2N, USA) to predict cognition.ResultTable 1 provides sample characteristics. In adjusted models (Table 2), MOS‐SS scores positively associated with episodic memory performance, but not speed and flexibility. However, MOS‐SS*amyloid interaction was significant in this domain; greater support predicted better mental flexibility most substantially in the presence of accumulated amyloid pathology. Small samples limit precision when plasma Aβ42/40 ratio is dichotomized, but for visualization purposes the interaction between MOS‐SS and amyloid positivity is presented (Figure 1).ConclusionGreater availability of a modifiable resource, social support, predicted better cognitive health within this small sample of Black participants. Mechanisms and implications vary by cognitive domain. For episodic memory, cognitive benefits are consistent across amyloid level. In mental flexibility, social support contributes to cognitive reserve, with noteworthy benefits for participants with elevated AD pathology. Future studies must examine additional ADRD neuropathologies, and in larger samples. Nonetheless, we provide preliminary evidence that facilitating social connection is a promising mitigation strategy, acting via multiple pathways to reduce ADRD‐related impairment in a community experiencing disproportionate risk.

Social participation in older people with hearing impairment in Chinese community: A latent profile analysis

ObjectivesHearing impairment may lead to increased communication difficulties for older people, making their social participation less optimistic. However, there is little research on the social participation of older people with hearing impairment, especially based on the characteristics of their social participation. This study aimed to identify different social participation profiles in older people with hearing impairment and to explore sociodemographic characteristics, disease-related characteristics and psychosocial factors with different social participation profiles. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 300 older people with hearing impairment using the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 from May to August 2023 in a community of Beijing, China. Latent profile analysis was used to analyse the latent profiles of social participation in elderly with hearing impairment. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the predictors of different profiles. ResultsThe social participation of older people with hearing impairment in the community can be classified into three potential profiles: Profile 1 - high social participation group (76.05 %), Profile 2 - moderate social participation group (17.34 %), Profile 3 - low social participation group (6.61 %). Age, types of chronic diseases, self-reported health, severity of hearing impairment, social network, social support and depression were predictors of different profiles. ConclusionsNurses should pay attention to the characteristics, depression, social network and support of older people with different hearing impairment to improve social participation in different profiles. Implications and recommendationsThis was the first study exploring latent profiles of social participation in older people with hearing impairment. Insights from this study are useful for gerontological nursing to distinguish different profiles and further identify the characteristics of different profiles in older people with hearing impairment by characterizing the level of social participation in the community and better implement interventions according to profiles.

Network analysis of the relationship between social support and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

BackgroundIdentifying important types of social support for patients with epilepsy is valuable to construct an effective system for support in daily life. However, previous studies have been inconsistent in identifying the most important types of social support for better quality of life (QOL) due to the high correlations between the social support factors. The present study employed network visualization analysis to identify the relationships between QOL and types of social support. MethodsTwo hundred and eighty-three patients with epilepsy (age range: 18 to 75 years) completed questionnaires of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31-Problems in the epilepsy monitoring unit at Tohoku University. The MOS-SSS was established to measure the four types of social support including emotional/informational support, tangible support, affectionate support, and positive social interaction. Our network visualization analysis represented the entire structure of the interrelationships between the four functions of social support and QOL. In addition, the relative importance of each function of social support were estimated by the centrality indices using three commonly used centrality indices: strength, betweenness, and closeness. ResultsThe visualized network showed that positive social interaction and emotional/informational support were directly associated with QOL, whereas tangible support and affectionate support were not. Positive social interaction had the highest value for all three centrality indices and affectionate support had the second highest. Therefore, positive social interaction had the strongest connection to the other functions of support. DiscussionOur network analysis and centrality indices findings showed that positive social interaction is the most important within the network of four types of social support and QOL. The emotional informational function is also important for directly improving QOL but is less related to the other functions. The affectionate function might be an indicator of whether a patient has a foundational relationship that leads to other functions of support. ConclusionThese results showed the importance of increasing positive social interaction in the social environment of patients with epilepsy. Therefore, practitioners need to encourage patients with epilepsy to increase their positive social interactions such as doing something enjoyable with others or someone to associate for relaxation to ensure high QOL. Connections outside the epilepsy support are important, such as having fun regardless of epilepsy, rather than only providing emotional or tangible support for epilepsy.

Is Social Support Associated with Colorectal Cancer Care Utilization? A Multilevel Mixed-Effects Model of a Cross-Sectional Cohort Study in Vietnam.

To investigate the relationship between the social support (SS) and colorectal cancer (CRC) care utilization of patients in the central region of Vietnam. This was a cross-sectional cohort study in which the cohort was defined as all residential patients diagnosed with CRC in a tertiary hospital, Hue Central Hospital (HCH), in central Vietnam from 2013 to 2019. Social support was considered the main independent variable and was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), a self-administered 19-item SS survey. MOS-SSS is a widely used scale for assessing social support in CRC patients because it is brief, easy to use, reliable, and valid. In this study, we considered a data framework with a multilevel structure that included the patient level and duration of diagnosis as the second level. We estimated the magnitude of SS and CRC-specific treatment modalities using multilevel mixed-effects (MM) models under a hierarchical approach. The findings indicated that CRC care utilization rates were 89.9%, 48.5%, and 30.6% for surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, respectively. The overall trend of SS decreased significantly and affected the CRC care utilization. We found a positive effects of overall SS, as well as emotional and tangible support, on the number of hospitalization admissions and chemotherapy utilization. This study suggests that the use of the MOS-SSS should be continued in the long term for CRC patients to enhance medical accessibility and care utilization.

Longitudinal Associations of Social Support and Gait Speed Decline in Aging.

Social support predicts functional and cognitive decline in aging. Yet, the associations between social support and gait speed decline-a functional vital sign-are not well understood. This study examined associations between social support and gait speed decline in aging. Social support and gait data from 542 older adults without dementia were examined (mean age 76.1 ± 6.5 years). Baseline emotional support, tangible support, affectionate support, positive social interactions, and overall support from the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were the predictors of interest. Annual change in simple (normal pace walking) and complex (walking while reciting alternate letters of the alphabet) gait speed (cm/s) were the outcomes of interest. Linear mixed effects models examined associations between social support and gait speed decline, after adjusting for gender, race, depressive symptoms, overall cognition, and comorbidities. The mean annual change in gait speed was 1.8 cm/s during simple walking and 1.13 cm/s during complex walking. Tangible support was the only category of social support that predicted decline in simple and complex gait speed over a median follow-up of 3 years. The annual decline in gait speed was 0.51 cm/s (p = .008, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.13, 0.89) and 0.58 cm/s (p = .007, CI 0.16, 1.0) greater among those with low tangible support than in those with high tangible support during simple and complex walking, respectively. Tangible support is a potentially modifiable risk factor for gait speed decline. Further study is needed to examine mechanisms behind the observed associations and the potential for intervention.

Psychological changes among women with recurrent pregnancy loss during the COVID-19 period in northeastern China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIt aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women and the related factors in Northeastern China during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsFrom March to June 2021, we conducted an electronic questionnaire survey of 267 RPL women who attended the recurrent pregnancy loss clinic at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS-C) were used to screen for anxiety, depression, stress, and social support. Logistic regression was used to explore the related factors of anxiety and depression.ResultsRPL women had severe psychological problems during the pandemic: 56.6% showed state anxiety or trait anxiety, 26.6% showed high levels of stress, and 13.1% showed depression. Economic pressure caused by COVID-19, and high stress were common related factors for anxiety and depression. The interval since last miscarriage <6 months, worse mood changes due to COVID-19, and concerns about COVID-19 were associated with anxiety. A history of pregnancy loss >14 weeks was associated with depression. While adequate social support and actively seeking health help were protective factors for trait anxiety. And identifying the etiology was a protective factor for depression.ConclusionThe study revealed the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and the associated factors in RPL women during COVID-19. More attention should be paid to the psychology of RPL women and adequate social support should be provided.

Reliability, construct validity, and factorial structure of a Swedish version of the medical outcomes study social support survey (MOS-SSS) in patients with chronic pain.

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS). Standard forward-backward translation was used. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among treatment seeking individuals with chronic pain included in a clinical cohort. Internal consistency was measured with Cronbach's α, test-retest reliability was examined with intraclass correlation, confirmatory factor analyses was used for examining factor structure, and correlations between the MOS-SSS and selected health validity measures were used for testing concurrent validity hypotheses. 182 participants were included in the study. Internal consistency measured with Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for all subscales and for the total support index of the MOS-SSS. Test-retest reliability was moderate - good for the different subscales, and was good for the overall support index. The original four factor model of the MOS-SSS was confirmed, and the concurrent validity hypotheses were also confirmed; however, the associations were weaker than expected. The Swedish version of the MOS-SSS was found psychometrically sound and offers a systematic assessment of social support in specialized pain care.

Anxiety, depression, and sleep quality among breast cancer patients in North China: Mediating roles of hope and medical social support.

Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among breast cancer patients and have a detrimental impact on their quality of life. This study aims to investigate the serial multiple mediating roles of social support and hope in the relationship between anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in China from October 2021 to February 2022. A total of 315 breast cancer patients were assessed using self-reported questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Mediation analysis was performed using the R Statistical Software. Sleep quality exhibited a negative correlation with hope and medical social support (P < 0.01), and a positive correlation with anxiety and depression (P < 0.01). Anxiety and depression accounted for 18.8% and 12.8% of the variance in sleep quality, respectively. Bootstrap analyses of the anxiety-medical social support-hope-sleep quality pathway indicated the presence of direct effects [B = 0.331, 95%CI (0.215, 0.493)] and indirect effects of anxiety on sleep quality mediated solely by medical social support [B = 0.054, 95%CI (0.015, 0.108)] and hope [B = 0.041, 95%CI (0.018, 0.073)], as well as combined effects [B = 0.012, 95%CI (0.004, 0.025)]. Similarly, the depression-medical social support-hope-sleep quality pathway revealed direct effects [B = 0.235, 95%CI (0.104, 0.372)] and indirect effects of depression on sleep quality mediated solely by medical social support [B = 0.078, 95%CI (0.016, 0.150)] and hope [B = 0.049, 95%CI (0.018, 0.086)], as well as combined effects [B = 0.017, 95%CI (0.004, 0.034)]. This research validates the hypothesis that medical social support and hope serve as mediators between anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in breast cancer patients. Interventions targeting anxiety, depression, medical social support, and hope have the potential to effectively enhance sleep quality.

Impact of the trait anxiety during pregnancy on birth weight: an observational cohort study

To explore the effects of antenatal anxiety on fetal growth an observational cohort study was performed, including a cohort of 204 women with singleton pregnancies during the strict lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Psychosocial factors, maternal demographics, obstetric outcomes, social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, MOS-SSS), and symptoms of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAIs and STAIt) and depression (Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, EPDS) were studied as potential predictors of low birth weight. Main outcome measures were birth weight, head circumference and length. Results showed a negative correlation between STAIt score (trait anxiety) and birth weight percentile (r = −0.228, p = .047). In the univariate linear regression analysis, a lower maternal weight and BMI before pregnancy, parity, increased STAIt score and preterm birth below 37 weeks of gestation (p = .008, p = .015, p = .028, p = .047 and p = .022, respectively) were identified as predictive risk factors for low birth weight, whereas in the multivariate lineal regression analysis only a lower maternal weight before pregnancy and an increased STAIt score were independent predictors for low birth weight (p = .020, p = .049, respectively). To conclude, anxiety during pregnancy impacts birth weight, and specifically the trait anxiety, is a predictor for low birth weight.

Psychosocial Correlates of Internalized Stigma Among Chinese Individuals With Severe Mental Illness.

The current study aimed to examine internalized stigma and its psychosocial factors among people with severe mental illness in China. A cross-sectional study was performed with 202 adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder in Beijing, China. Participants were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that 19.8% of participants had moderate-to-high ISMI scores, whereas the sample as a whole indicated a mild level of internalized stigma. A higher level of internalized stigma was associated with greater perceived discrimination, lower social support, lower family income, older age, and distancing coping. These factors may be important to consider for developing tailored interventions in the future. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(1), 37-44.].

Predictors of help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence: Based on Iranian women's lens.

This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on 199 women with urinary incontinence who met the inclusion criteria by convenience sampling from the beginning of 2020 to the middle of 2021. The Incontinence Severity Index, Bradley's Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis, Medical Embarrassment Questionnaires, Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire, Barrier to Incontinence Care Seeking Questionnaire, Medical Help Seeking Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were all self-administered data collection tools used in this study. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship and prediction of help-seeking behaviors by other variables. To analyze the data, SPSS software version 20 was used. The variables of shame, barriers to care, social support, quality of life, and age were found to be predictors of help-seeking behavior in the research population of women with urinary incontinence. Help-seeking had a direct relationship with quality of life and an inverse relationship with other factors. Among these factors, shame has the greatest impact (P = 0/001, β = - 0/37). The extracted predictors, especially the variable of "shame" as the most important negative factor related to the treatment decisions of women with urinary incontinence, will help to health service providers to take into account these factors in the regular service provision programs that promote women's health, which are effective in facilitating the help-seeking of sufferers and correct guidance towards treatment or rehabilitation.

Subjective and objective burden and psychological distress in care partners of older adults with traumatic brain injury.

In care partners of older persons (65 years and older) having sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI), the objectives were (a) to describe subjective burden (emotional, social, financial, and physical burden), objective burden (new roles and responsibilities), and psychological distress at 4 months postinjury, and (b) to explore the predictors of subjective burden and psychological distress. This is an observational study of care partners of older adults with TBI (n = 46; Mage = 65.2 years, SD = 11.2, 87% female). Participants completed the Zarit Burden Interview, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Brain Injury Complaint Questionnaire (measuring difficulties of the injured older adult perceived by the care partner), and the modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. A majority of care partners (88%) reported at least one form of objective burden (e.g., increased/decreased time spent in certain activities post-TBI), 29% perceived at least mild subjective burden, and 27% reported either significant anxiety or depressive symptoms. Linear regressions indicated that a higher number of difficulties reported regarding the injured person and poorer perceived social support predicted higher subjective burden and psychological distress. A younger age of the care partner also predicted a higher subjective burden. This study provides a better understanding of the potential impacts of TBI in older age for care partners. Future research should examine how to support adequately care partners in their psychological adaptation after TBI in an elderly person. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Association between concern about COVID-19, social support and knowledge about tuberculosis with adherence to antituberculosis treatment in Lima, Perú

Evaluar si existe asociación entre el apoyo social, la preocupación por el contagio de COVID-19 y el conocimiento de la tuberculosis, frente al incumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio transversal de pacientes en tratamiento antituberculoso durante los meses de enero a marzo del 2022 en centros ubicados en áreas de alta prevalencia de tuberculosis en Lima. Se utilizó el cuestionario de Morisky Green-Levine para evaluar el cumplimiento del tratamiento como variable dependiente; las variables independientes se evaluaron usando el Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey para determinar el apoyo social percibido y la preocupación por la infección de COVID-19, y el test de Batalla para evaluar el conocimiento del paciente sobre su enfermedad. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para determinar la asociación entre las variables. De un total de 101 participantes (73,3 % hombres y edad media 35,1 ± 16 años), el 51,5 % no observaron el tratamiento antituberculoso. El nivel de preocupación medio o alto de contagiarse y desarrollar COVID-19 se asoció con una mayor prevalencia de incumplimiento del tratamiento (razón de prevalencia: 1,68; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,09-2,57) (ajustada por las variables de confusión consideradas). El incumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso es una condición frecuente entre los pacientes de una zona de alta prevalencia de tuberculosis en Lima especialmente entre aquellos con mayor preocupación al contagio por el virus de SARSCoV-2, causante de la COVID-19.

0401 Factors Associated with Insomnia in Male University Students

Abstract Introduction University students can experience high levels of stress, and this can impact sleep quality and increase insomnia symptomology. Little research has investigated insomnia in male university students. This study examined factors associated with insomnia in male students to address concerns and direct resources. Methods Male students aged 18-35 at Memorial University completed an online survey. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used as the dependent variable to measure insomnia. Participants self-reported demographic and academic variables and also completed the Morning Evening Questionnaire (MEQ), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and indicated sleep medication and stimulant use. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between insomnia and demographic factors, chronotype, social support, mindfulness, psychological distress, and sleep medication and stimulant use. Results The majority of participants (n=564; Mage = 23) were white (77.8%), undergraduates (76.3%), and enrolled full-time (90.7%). The mean insomnia severity score was 7.7 (SD = 5.42). Overall, 46% scored in the no insomnia range, 36% scored in the subthreshold insomnia range, 16% scoring in the clinical insomnia (moderate severity) range, and 2% scored in the clinical insomnia (severe) range. At the univariate level, sleep medication use (β = -.275, p &amp;lt; .001), stimulant use (β = -.158, p &amp;lt; .001), chronotype (β = -.344, p &amp;lt; .001), social support (β = -.244, p &amp;lt; .001), mindfulness (β = -.409, p &amp;lt; .001), and distress (β = .577, p &amp;lt; .001), were significantly associated with insomnia symptom severity. In the multivariate model (Adjusted R2 = .40, p &amp;lt; .001), only evening chronotype (β = -.195, p &amp;lt; .001), greater distress (β = .429, p &amp;lt; .001), and sleep medication use (β = -.139, p &amp;lt; .001) remained significantly related to insomnia. Conclusion This study identified factors associated with insomnia in male university students. Addressing insomnia, particularly in those with evening chronotype and those who use sleeping medication, may improve psychological distress and the overall well-being of male university students. Support (if any) Dr. Sheila Garland is supported by a Canadian Cancer Society Emerging Scholar Award (Survivorship) (grant #707146).

Relationship of Stressors and Psychosocial Support with Occurrence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Patients with Covid-19

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common in COVID-19 survivors and can be caused by a variety of stressors, including the duration of infection, severity, and location of isolation when infected with COVID-19. Furthermore, public anxiety caused by the rapid increase in the number of cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 plays a role in the occurrence of PTSD. To reduce the risk of mental disorders, psychosocial support is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors, to describe aspects of psychosocial support for COVID-19 survivors, and to assess the relationship between stressor factors and psychosocial support and the occurrence of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors. This research used an analytical observational research design with a cross sectional approach, involving 149 respondents aged 17-65 years, 52 men and 97 women from the COVID-19 survivor community known as COVID Survivor Indonesia (CSI) in DKI Jakarta. The Medical Outcomes Study–Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and The Impact Of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires were distributed via Google Form to collect data. Data was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 26.0, and results were analyzed using descriptive univariate and bivariate using Chi Square. There is a significant relationship between stressor factors and the occurrence of PTSD, specifically the duration of infection with COVID-19 (P = 0,026), severity when infected with COVID-19 (P = 0,027), and place of isolation when infected with COVID-19 (P = 0,023). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between psychosocial support and the occurrence of PTSD (p = 0,001). Management of COVID-19 patients is required to detect stressor factors and provide psychosocial support so that COVID-19 survivors can return physical and psychological health.

Associations between daily routines and social support among women with chronic fatigue syndrome

Background Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by extreme fatigue, as well as physical and cognitive symptoms. CFS is thrice as prevalent in women than in men. Objective To compare women with and without CFS concerning social support and participation in daily routine occupations, and to assess the relationships between the two variables among women with CFS. Methods This study included 110 women aged 24–69: 41 were diagnosed with CFS and 64 were not diagnosed with CFS. Participants completed the Occupational Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey. Results Women with CFS reported lower participation in instrumental activities of daily living and work occupations than women without CFS. However, they spend more time resting and enjoying it. In addition, they reported less social support than women without CFS. Positive correlations were found between the number of close friends and time spent in play and leisure occupations and a negative correlation with sleep/rest. Conclusions Women with CFS participate less in IADL and work occupations and more in rest/sleep than women without CFS and their social support is attenuated. Significance Intervention plans should be developed for women with CFS, focussing on expanding their participation while considering their social support resources.

Relationship between Symptom Burden and HRQOL among Kuwaiti Women Recently Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Breast cancer is a life-threatening chronic condition associated with distress and psychological symptoms. Breast cancer also leads to ongoing ambiguity around the symptom burden of the disease and its treatment over the long-term, which impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The factors influenced HRQOL of Kuwaiti women with breast cancer is unclear and not well understood. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationships between the symptom burden and HRQOL of Kuwaiti women diagnosis with breast cancer within their first year. This cross-sectional correlational study surveyed 100 Kuwaiti women diagnosed with breast cancer within the previous year at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center Hospital (KCCC). The study collected data using a combination of five questionnaires: The Memorial Symptom Assessment-Short Form Scale (MSAS-SF), the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), and demographic/clinical questionnaire. The 100 Kuwaiti women in the study experienced moderate symptom burden (M = 2.35, SD = 0.28), which is significantly negatively associated with HRQOL. The most prevalent symptoms the women reported were pain, difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, and hair loss. Symptom burden was significantly negatively associated with HRQOL. The findings of this study suggest the need for more training for clinicians to diagnose and treat common symptoms. Improved screening tools and psychosocial interventions also need to be developed. Future research should focus on longitudinal data and qualitative methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Kuwaiti women's experiences with breast cancer.

Changes in mental health across the COVID-19 pandemic for local and international university students in Australia: a cohort study

PurposePrevious research has indicated that university students experienced substantial mental health issues during the global COVID-19 pandemic, but few studies have considered changes relative to pre-pandemic levels across population groups. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare changes in mental health and associated stressors across the pandemic for international and local university students studying in Australia.MethodsIn a cohort of 4407 university students, we assessed depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 2), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2), social support (Medical Outcomes Study—Social Support Survey), inability to afford food, fear of partner, and experiences of discrimination, both pre-pandemic (April–May 2019) and during the pandemic (September–October 2020). Change in prevalence between local and international students were estimated with logistic regression, adjusting for baseline factors.ResultsCompared to local students, international students experienced an increase in probable major depression (odds ratio (OR) 1.43, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.23, 1.66), low social support (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.23, 3.11), inability to afford food (OR 5.21, 95% CI 3.97, 6.83) race-based discrimination (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.82, 2.68) and fear of partner (OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.26, 5.13). Interaction analyses indicated that these issues were more likely to be experienced by students living outside their country of origin, inclusive of international students based in Australia (depression p value interaction term 0.02).ConclusionThe pandemic had a substantial negative impact on international students, particularly those living outside of their country of origin during the pandemic. The inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic were present prior to the pandemic and are likely to continue post-pandemic without action. Interventions to build the supports for international students need to be urgently explored.

Psychosocial needs of older patients with metastatic breast cancer treated at community centers

IntroductionPsychosocial status contributes to overall quality of life (QOL) for patients with cancer as psychosocial distress is commonly seen in this population. We sought to describe the psychosocial needs of older adults with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated in the community. We evaluated the correlation between the patient's psychosocial status and the presence of other geriatric abnormalities in this patient population. Materials and MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of a completed study evaluating older adults (≥65 years) with MBC treated at community practices who received a geriatric assessment (GA). This analysis evaluated psychosocial factors collected during GA, including depression assessed by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), perceived social support (SS) assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS), and objective social supportassessed by demographic variables (living situation and marital status). Perceived SS was further subdivided into tangible social support (TSS) and emotional social support (ESS). Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon tests, and Spearman's correlations were used to assess the relationship between psychosocial factors, patient characteristics, and geriatric abnormalities. ResultsOne hundred older patients with MBC were enrolled and completed GA with a median age of 73 years (65–90). Almost half of the participants (47%) were either single, divorced, or widowed and 38% lived alone, demonstrating a significant number of patients with objective social support deficits. Patients with HER2+ or triple negative MBC had lower overall SS scores compared to patients with ER/PR+ or HER2- MBC (p = 0.033). Patients on fourth line of therapy were more likely to screen positive for depression compared to patients on earlier lines of therapy (p = 0.047). About half (51%) of the patients indicated at least one SS deficit on the MOS. A higher GDS and lower MOS score correlated with greater total GA abnormalities (p = 0.016). Evidence of depression correlated with poor functional status, decreased cognition, and a high number of co-morbidities (p < 0.005). Abnormalities in functional status, cognition, and high GDS are associated with lower ESS (p = 0.025,0.031,0.006 respectively). DiscussionPsychosocial deficits are common among older adults with MBC treated in the community and are associated with the presence of other geriatric abnormalities. These deficits require a thorough evaluation and management to optimize treatment outcomes.

Burden prediction in cancer caregivers: role of social support and connectedness

ObjectivesCaregivers play a key role in providing support to people with cancer. However, caregiving can be stressful and demanding, resulting in perceived caregiver burden. Social connectedness is considered partially independent...